THE bank holiday weekend came to an abrupt end for some of the town’s suspected criminals when police officers in riot gear carried out early morning raids.

Teams of officers from the tactical aid unit raided homes where there were suspected drugs or stolen property.

Just after 8am yesterday, residents in Cecilia Court North, Great Lever, were woken up by police banging on the door shortly after 8am.

Officers in riot gear were waiting, ready to force their way in, but were not needed as the person in the house opened the door.

There were six people inside the flat. Four men and a women were arrested.

Officers searched the home and found drug paraphenalia, along with a snap bag, and some suspected stolen property, including a sat nav and mobile phone.

Neighbours came out in their pyjamas to see what was going on.

One man, who asked not to be named, said: “It is not a bad area. I don’t really know him. I keep myself to myself.

“There are usually a lot of people visiting. It was a surprise to see the police this morning, although as soon as I heard people running up the stairs I thought he has been busted for something.”

A woman, aged 40, and a man, aged 31, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug and theft.

Three men, aged 51, 48 and 41, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Wiggett said: “We have been working hard to sweep our streets of the offenders that cause the most harm to our communities and this is reflected in the results so far.

“My advice to anyone who knows that they are wanted would be to hand yourself in or you will find yourself a target of our spring clean.“ Operation Resolute started last week and 28 people were arrested.